Note: Lime transforms an English classic into a fresh California version.

Finely grated zest of one lime

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

1/3 cup sugar

2 large eggs

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1. Whisk the zest, juice, sugar and eggs together until well-blended.

2. Warm a small heavy saucepan over low heat. Add butter and allow to melt. Whisk in lime mixture and raise heat to medium; cook, stirring constantly, for 5 to 7 minutes or until the mixture is quite thick, like pudding.

3. If needed to remove any curdled egg, push mixture through a mesh strainer (not too fine, or you’ll remove the zest). Transfer the lime curd to a bowl or jam jar. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let cool, then refrigerate. Use within a week.

With lower home prices, more Californians could afford a home purchase in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to the previous quarter, but the California Association of Realtors reports higher interest rates lowered affordability from the previous year for most counties.